Preprint Communication Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Recent Population Dynamics of Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Version 1 : Received: 1 May 2023 / Approved: 2 May 2023 / Online: 2 May 2023 (11:02:54 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Xu, J.; Wahaab, A.; Khan, S.; Nawaz, M.; Anwar, M.N.; Liu, K.; Wei, J.; Hameed, M.; Ma, Z. Recent Population Dynamics of Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Viruses 2023, 15, 1312. Xu, J.; Wahaab, A.; Khan, S.; Nawaz, M.; Anwar, M.N.; Liu, K.; Wei, J.; Hameed, M.; Ma, Z. Recent Population Dynamics of Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Viruses 2023, 15, 1312.

Abstract

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes acute viral encephalitis in humans and reproductive disorders in pigs. JEV emerged during the 1870s in Japan and since that time, JEV has been transmitted exclusively throughout Asia, according to known reporting and sequencing records. A recent JEV outbreak occurred in Australia which affected commercial piggeries across different temperate southern Australian states and caused confirmed infections in humans. A total of 47 human cases and seven deaths were reported. The recent evolving situation of JEV needs to be reported due to its continuous circulation in endemic regions and spread to non-endemics areas. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny and population dynamics of JEV using recent JEV isolates for the future perception of disease spread. Phylogenetic analysis shows the most recent common ancestor occurred about 3120 years ago (YA) (95% Highest posterior density [HPD], 2680 to 3715). Our results of the Bayesian skyline plot (BSP) demonstrates that JEV demography lacks fluctuations for the last two decades, but it shows that JEV genetic diversity has increased during the last ten years. This indicates the potential JEV replication in the reservoir host, which is helping it to maintain its genetic diversity, and to continue its dispersal into non-endemic areas. The continuous spread in Asia and recent detection from Australia further support these findings. Therefore, an enhanced surveillance system is needed along with precautionary measures such as regular vaccination and mosquito control to avoid future JEV outbreaks.

Keywords

Japanese encephalitis virus; Population dynamic; Genetic diversity

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Virology

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